Multi-objective optimization for thermal comfort enhancement and greenhouse gas emission reduction in residential buildings applying retrofitting measures by an Enhanced Water Strider Optimization Algorithm: A case study

The energy operation of the building can be enhanced by retrofitting actions considering that it influences the life quality of the residents. Since optimization of different retrofitting scenarios needs much time, a new method is proposed in this study to simplify the optimization process. Therefore, an integration of the parametric sensitivity evaluation at the early phases of the optimization procedure is employed to decrease the number of the needed computation. Two objectives of the optimization process are including interior thermal comfort without increasing greenhouse gas emissions as the environment-related effects. Four steps are involved in the process: initial energy operation evaluation of the housing prototype; suggesting retrofitting actions; parametric sensitivity evaluation for retrofitting measures to define the most effective actions; and multiple-criteria optimization. Finally, outer wall insulation, roof insulation, airtightness, and floor insulation have resulted as more significant parameters with considerable effect on energy operation. The next category is including performance schedule, artificial lighting, temperature setpoints, and window substitution with low effect on decreasing energy usage. For controlling multiple-objective retrofitting projections when handling the side effects an efficient approach is presented by best scenarios for decision-makers, especially for architects. (C) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Automated summary

This study proposes a new method to simplify the optimization process of building energy retrofitting and utilizes parametric sensitivity evaluation to reduce the number of calculations. Significant parameters affecting energy operation are identified, along with parameters with minor effects on energy usage. The best scenarios are presented for decision-makers as a reference.